DOGS*. THEIR MANAGEMENT. 157 



portauce that it should be annoyed at this time as little 

 as may be possible. 



Numerous are the cases which have thus been short- 

 ened by this method; and the advantage gained by this 

 mode of treatment is, that if the measures employed be 

 not absolutely necessary, they do no harm, and if required, 

 they are those which are calculated to mitigate the vio- 

 lence of the" disease ; so for three or four weeks I pursue 

 this course, and should all then appear well, I dismiss 

 the case. 



Most generally, however, the dogs brought to us with 

 the distemper have the disease fairly established before 

 we see them. Then I never purge or vomit : the time 

 when such agents could be remedial has passed, and if 

 now used, though they will seem to do some immediate 

 good, the after consequences are always to be regretted. 

 The action of the purgative has scarcely subsided before 

 the distemper assumes a more virulent form, and the 

 probability of the termination is rendered more dark. 

 During the distemper I pay little attention to the bowels ; 

 and, however great may be the costiveness, I never ven- 

 ture to resort even to a laxative, though, should I dis- 

 cover the rectum to be impacted with hard faeces, an enema 

 may be employed. That which I use on these occasions 

 is composed of gruel, to which some sulphuric ether and 

 laudanum has been added. 



Take of cold gruel . . . . One quart. 



Sulphuric ether . . Four drachms. 

 Laudanum . .. . . . One scruple. 



